How to encourage your pastor
As a follow up to my post “Do you encourage your pastor” I’m going to list a few ways that we can do exactly that. These are just a few of my ideas. If you have other ideas please leave them in the comments below.
1. Prayer: I’m starting off with prayer because I think it’s what our pastors and church leaders need the most from us. If you pray specific prayers of blessing for your pastor and his family they will be encouraged and blessed in the things of the Lord. Pray for protection, encouragement and peace from the Holy Spirit. Pray that The Holy Spirit would lead him in the way he should go. It’s good to let your pastor know that you are praying for him and his family. They will be encouraged to know that you care for them and are praying God’s Will and blessing over them.
2. Words: Sadly, America pastors mostly hear about the petty things they should be doing better. Without going into a lot of detail let’s just all agree that a steady stream of complaints is difficult to deal with. We all have our opinions about what can be different but we also all have an opportunity to bless our pastor with affirming words. If the pastor preaches well or teaches something that blessed you, tell him so. If you see good things happening in the church, let the church leadership know about it. And don’t be afraid to say “God bless you pastor” or whatever other words that you think will be encouraging.
3. Service: This will be more applicable in smaller churches where the volunteer teams are small and the need is large. Just as it can be discouraging to have a lack of volunteers it is encouraging to see your church members stepping up and getting involved. Find a need at your church and fill it. Help lift the burden from someone else. Rarely you will be given a chance to ask your pastor if there is anything you can do for him. As long as you ask sincerely you will be encouraging him and hopefully you will be helping him too.
Please remember to respect your pastor and have proper boundaries. We don’t want to be selfish in the way we “encourage” people. We need to be considerate in the things we do and look to protect our pastors and church leaders when we have an opportunity to do so.
Pray for their children and marriage. These are the places that receive lots of strain.
Great post. Pastors take a pounding these days. Defend the faith!
Great stuff Zach. Good advice.
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Pastors do take a pounding these days … but they also give them out as well.
I find that in alot of churches I have attended, the majority of the congregation expect the pastor to carry the whole load, to include soul winning,visiting the sick and shut in. It is my belief, the pastor is given to us by god as a spiritual leader. It is my(our) responsibility to study gods word, pray (without ceasing) fight the good fight that Paul spoke of. Most importantly of all, to allow god to use us to reach as many as possible with the gospel. Hell is imminent for many if the children of god don’t do what god called them to do.
I can’t think of anything that could encourage a pastor more.
Three good points. I think a lot of people totally underestimate how much they can help and encourage their pastor.
Pastors carry a heavy weight on their shoulders and those who really carry the name of Christ should be honored! They will be held accountable for what they do! Enjoyed the blog. Our church does a great job honoring our pastor but the true gift is knowing that others (through him) will find and follow Christ!
Great Post!! I just shared it on my facebook.